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Computerized tomography using radarComputerized tomography using radar description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070035437, Computerized tomography using radar. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE [0001] This present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/685,658 filed May 31, 2005, which is titled "Computerized Tomography Using Radar," the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This description relates to determining the internal properties of objects. BACKGROUND [0003] In order to detect internal characteristics of an object, such as a piece of luggage, x-rays may be used to generate an image of the internal characteristics of the object. In particular, X-rays react differently with objects of higher density, such as a metal gun, than with objects of lower density, such as a comb. By measuring such differences, images may be generated. SUMMARY [0004] Radar tomography may be used instead of, or in addition to, x-ray-based inspection. Radar tomography involves the processing of wideband radar signals to characterize and image the internal structures of objects in a non-invasive manner. Such a system has a broad range of uses including transportation security and medicine. For example, in the security field, the system may be used to screen luggage for threats and contraband. In the medical field, the system may be used for diagnostic imaging. [0005] Traditionally, these tasks have been performed by x-ray devices which provide excellent high resolution images due to the small wavelengths of the x-ray energy. While radar, with its much longer wavelengths may not achieve similar resolution, it can provide an image at far lower cost, with lower power requirements, and reduced hardware complexity. [0006] In one general aspect, sensing characteristics of an object includes transmitting a stepped-frequency radar signal through an object and detecting, with multiple receiving structures, deflected portions of the radar signal. The detected portions are processed to generate processed data including information associated with amplitudes and phases of the deflected portions, and with the locations of the receiving structures at which the deflected portions were detected. The processed data is analyzed to determine information corresponding to dielectric properties of particular positions within the object. [0007] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. For instance, detecting deflected portions of the radar signal may include sequentially detecting with multiple receiving structures such that only a single receiving structure actively detects at a time, or detecting with multiple receiving structures concurrently. Detecting deflected portions of the radar signal also may include sequentially detecting signals from different groups of receiving structures. Receiving structures within a particular group may detect signals concurrently. [0008] Multiple transmitting structures may transmit a frequency within the stepped-frequency radar signal. At least two of the transmitting structures may transmit a different frequency. Detecting deflected portions of the radar signal may include detecting with multiple receiving structures concurrently. Detecting deflected portions of the radar signal may include detecting with receiving structures that surround the object. Detecting deflected portions of the radar signal may include detecting with receiving structures that form a shape that is not round, or a shape that is three dimensional. [0009] An image may be formed using the analyzed data. The image may display areas inside the object and corresponding information associated with dielectric levels. Multiple transmissions or detections of multiple locations of the object may be used to form the image in three dimensions. The radar tomography system may be used in conjunction with an x-ray system. For example, results of a first scan using computerized tomography of x-rays may automatically trigger the transmission of a stepped-frequency radar signal only if the results of the first scan suggest that the radar signal may provide useful information. The automatically triggered transmission may be targeted automatically to a specific physical location of the object for which the results of the first scan suggest use of the radar signal may be useful. [0010] Further, the processing or analyzing may include adjusting information associated with the phase or amplitude based upon the receiving structure, such that processing or analyzing associated with different receiving structures is adjusted differently. Adjusting the processing or analyzing may include adjusting information associated with the phase or amplitude based upon the physical characteristics of the object to be scanned, where processing or analyzing associated with different physical characteristics is adjusted differently. The physical characteristics may include dielectric properties of one or more layers in the object, and the dielectric properties may be measured or estimated based on the detected deflecting portions. [0011] Also, the object may be moved or vibrated during the transmission of the stepped-frequency radar signal and the detecting of the deflected portions. A Doppler shift in the deflected portions may be used to distinguish detected portions of the signal that have been deflected from the object from other detected signals. The Doppler shift may be associated with movement of the object by a conveyer belt, or with vibration of the object by a vibrating platform. [0012] In another general aspect, a device for sensing characteristics includes one or more transmission structures configured to transmit a stepped-frequency radar signal including multiple frequencies through an object and receiving structures configured to detect deflected portions of the radar signal. The device also includes a processor configured to process the detected portions to generate processed data including information associated with the amplitude and phase of the detected portion, and the receiving structure in which the reflected portion was detected and an analyzer configured to analyze the processed data to determine information corresponding to dielectric properties of the object and an associated position within the object of the information corresponding to dielectric properties. [0013] In a further general aspect, a device for sensing characteristics includes means for transmitting a stepped-frequency radar signal including multiple frequencies through an object and means for detecting, with receiving structures, deflected portions of the radar signal. The device also includes means for processing the detected portions to generate processed data including information associated with the amplitude and phase of the detected portion, and the receiving structure in which the reflected portion was detected, and means for analyzing the processed data to determine information corresponding to dielectric properties of the object and an associated position within the object of the information corresponding to dielectric properties. [0014] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cross section of a device for scanning objects using computerized radar tomography. [0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary computerized radar tomography system. [0017] FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary antenna design. [0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary system to transmit and receive a radar signal. [0019] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method using computerized radar tomography to scan objects. FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an exemplary method using computerized radar tomography to scan objects with multiple receive elements. Continue reading about Computerized tomography using radar... 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